Optical Sensor Airbag Assembly That Preserves Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in protecting optical sensors and pedestrians during impacts while ensuring the airbag deployment does not obstruct the sensors' field of view.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a housing supporting an optical sensor and an airbag deployable from a stowed to an inflated position, with the airbag designed to extend along the optical sensor without obstructing its field of view, and a computer programmed to deploy the airbag in response to pending impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag is deployed to protect optical sensors and control pedestrian kinematics, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the sensor field of view may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple segments or zones with different deployment characteristics. The housing is segmented into sensor zones and airbag deployment zones, allowing the airbag to be inflated in a controlled manner that protects pedestrians while maintaining sensor visibility through strategic positioning of inflation segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the airbag housing have different properties - the housing includes sensor mounting areas with clear sightlines for optical sensors, while other regions are designed for airbag inflation to provide pedestrian protection. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of protection and sensing functions.
2Reliability
If the airbag housing structure is designed to protect optical sensors, then sensor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the optical sensors, contains the airbag inflation mechanism, and acts as a protective barrier during deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures, thereby managing complexity while improving protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing and airbag housing are merged into a single integrated structure. The optical sensors are mounted within the same housing that contains the airbag, eliminating the need for separate protective housings and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sensor protection capabilities.
3Volume of moving object
If the airbag is positioned adjacent to the optical sensor, then space utilization is improved, but sensor field of view may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is positioned in a spatial arrangement where it occupies volume adjacent to the sensor but extends in dimensions that do not intersect the optical path. By utilizing three-dimensional space strategically, the airbag can be placed close to the sensor for space efficiency while maintaining clear line-of-sight for the optical field of view through careful geometric configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a housing. The assembly includes an optical sensor supported within the housing. The assembly includes an airbag supported within the housing and deployable from a stowed position internal of the housing to an inflated position external of the housing. The airbag in the inflated position adjacent the optical sensor.